HUNTINGTON GREEN TREE-LIGHTING PHOTOS: ‘Sharing the spirit of the season’

Many people gathered to see the Huntington Green tree lit on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 7. (Photos by Brad Durrell)

A longtime neighborhood tradition, the tree-lighting ceremony included music, hot cocoa, cookies and the arrival of Santa Claus on a Huntington Fire Company firetruck.

People in the crowd participated in a countdown from 10, with the tree being lit at the end.
Santa then sat in the gazebo next to the illuminated tree and met with children to hear what they wanted for Christmas.

“Generations of people appreciate coming out and sharing the spirit of the season,” Mayor Mark Lauretti said during remarks to the crowd.

Lauretti urged people to remember U.S. troops serving their country and to be grateful for all their blessings. “I know we in Shelton appreciate all we have,” he said.

The event is organized by Roger Spinelli of RJS Designs LLC, with help from the Huntington Volunteer Fire Company and local businesses.

Mayor Mark Lauretti, left, speaks while joined in front of the tree by event organizer Roger Spinelli.